Remembering Michael Jackson, Many Years Later

Michael Jackson passed away after suffering cardiac arrest at his LA home in 2009. He was only 50 years old, but the impression he left on pop music will last forever. It's impossible to recount every memorable moment and milestone through his incredible career, but here is a look back on some of the most-lasting images. MJ is still very missed, and his legend will live on forever.

Getty

Michael Jackson was known for his voice as well as his fashion, including his quintessential coat, glove, and sunglasses, which he wore to perform at the 1993 Super Bowl.

WENN

Michael's Thriller cover was an instant classic the moment it came out in 1982.

WENN

Michael and the rest of The Jackson 5 appeared together on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969.

WireImage

Michael shared a laugh with Jane Fonda in 1983.

WireImage

He planted a kiss on his sister Janet's cheek at the 1993 Grammy Awards in LA.

WireImage

Madonna and Michael hit the Oscars afterparty at Spago's together in 1991.

WireImage

Britney Spears looked up to Michael, who posed with her backstage at the 2002 VMAs in NYC.

WENN

Michael Jackson spent time around the world performing, including with traditional dancers from the Entebbe Primary School in Sun City, South Africa, in 1997.

WireImage

Michael and Elizabeth Taylor — seen here at her birthday celebration in 1997 — had a special bond.

WireImage

Britney Spears and MJ performed a duet at his 30th Anniversary Special in NYC in 2001.

WireImage

Michael took the stage with the rest of The Jackson 5 at his 30th Anniversary Special show in 2001.

WireImage

Michael and Cher hung out at the afterparty for the Dreamgirls stage opening in LA in 1983.

Getty

In 1985, Michael rescued a 3-year-old chimp and named him Bubbles. The two were inseparable for years.

WireImage

Michael Jackson was always a star; he and his brothers performed in London back in 1974.

WireImage

Michael and LaToya Jackson posed together at the 2003 BET Awards in LA.

WireImage

Both Brooke Shields and Emmanuel Lewis were good friends of Michael's. The trio hung out together at the 1984 Grammys.

WireImage

Madonna and Michael ducked out of The Ivy in LA together in 1991.

WENN

Michael and Janet Jackson created another iconic video with "Scream" in 1995.

WireImage

Michael and his then-wife, Lisa Marie Presley, famously locked lips on stage during the 1994 MTV VMAs.

WireImage

Michael, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie Jackson made up The Jackson 5. They posed together at their family home in LA in 1978.

WireImage

Beyoncé shared the love with Michael at the 2003 Radio Music Awards show in Las Vegas.

WireImage

Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston — need we say more? The foursome was seen here in 1988.

WireImage

Michael and Brooke Shields were all smiles at the Academy Awards in 1981.

WireImage

Michael won the Legend Award at the Japan MTV VMAs in 2006.

WireImage

Michael congratulated Liza Minnelli after her sold-out concert series at the Universal Amphitheatre (now called Gibson Amphitheatre) in 1983.

Getty

Michael danced with Tatum O'Neal at a party in July 1979.

WireImage

Michael's friendship with Macaulay Culkin earned many headlines, but they remained close through MJ's 30th Anniversary Special in 2001.

Getty

Michael was a longtime spokesman for Pepsi, starring in many commercials through the years.